heatstroke

noun

heat·​stroke ˈhēt-ˌstrōk 

: a life-threatening condition marked especially by cessation of sweating, extremely high body temperature, and collapse that results from prolonged exposure to high temperature compare heat exhaustion, sunstroke

Examples of heatstroke in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Here is what veterinarians say about spotting heatstroke, walking dogs safely on hot pavement and cooling your pet at home. — Hanna Wickes, Kansas City Star, 9 July 2026

People experiencing heatstroke can have hot, red, dry or damp skin. — Hali Smith, Idaho Statesman, 9 July 2026

Veterinarians warn that heatstroke can develop within minutes on a hot afternoon, and dogs and cats cannot regulate their body temperature the way people can. — Hanna Wickes, Charlotte Observer, 9 July 2026

On average, 37 children younger than 15 years old die of heatstroke yearly after being left in hot cars. — David Goodhue, Miami Herald, 9 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1874, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for heatstroke

• awoke
• baroque
• bespoke
• colloque
• convoke
• evoke
• invoke
• keystroke
• kinfolk
• kinsfolk
• menfolk
• provoke

Kids Definition

heatstroke

noun

heat·​stroke ˈhēt-ˌstrōk 

: a condition marked especially by the stopping of sweating, a high body temperature, and exhaustion that results from exposure to high temperature for a long time compare sunstroke

Medical Definition

heatstroke

noun

heat·​stroke ˈhēt-ˌstrōk 

: a life-threatening condition characterized by cessation of sweating with inadequate elimination of body heat, extremely high temperature, rapid pulse, hot dry skin, flaccid muscles, delirium, collapse, and coma and resulting from prolonged exposure to high environmental temperature which causes a dysfunction of the temperature-regulating mechanism of the body see sunstroke compare heat exhaustion